Commitment to Access

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When Barnard College opened its doors to young women in 1889, it opened a world of rigorous higher education to a segment of the New York City population that had previously been barred. One hundred and thirty years later, Barnard is still rewriting the narrative of inequity by working to remove barriers of access to historically underrepresented groups. Over 40% of Barnard students identify as students of color, and 16% are the first in their family to attend college. In addition to a plethora of supportive programs, our Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion continues to create strategies to promote equity throughout our beloved community.

“A diversity of lived experiences and viewpoints in an environment that allows for open dialogue and understanding is vital to our scholarship.”
—Sian Leah Beilock, president of Barnard College

Access & Support Programs

Barnard is dedicated to recognizing academic excellence and leadership in students from all backgrounds. To that end, the College offers a variety of access programs for eligible students who have the spirit, drive, curiosity, and motivation that all Barnard students share.

As an Opportunity Program scholar, you’ll be part of a small community that receives extra mentorship through all four years and beyond Barnard. From peer and faculty mentoring to book vouchers and computer loans, we help you find your way and discover your true capabilities.

(SP)2 Scholars benefit from an exceptional set of opportunities and resources, including four years of science faculty mentorship, paid summer research opportunities, and a weeklong, expenses-paid trip to campus in the summer to meet science faculty and tour research facilities and departments.

Barnard College seeks to enroll the intellectual thinkers and leaders of tomorrow, regardless of citizenship status. Since 2015, the College has provided undocumented young women of promise with full financial support.

Are You Barnard Bound?

Barnard Bound provides a taste of Barnard College and New York City for promising rising high school seniors who self-identify as students of color — especially those students who couldn’t otherwise afford to visit. During this two-day overnight program, you’ll be able to experience the cultural diversity of New York City and Morningside Heights while getting a full perspective on life as a potential Barnard student. A current student will host you in a campus residence hall.

Meet Our Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

“As a first-generation Puerto Rican woman whose family story has been defined by the struggle of women to access education, I am encouraged by the opportunity to contribute what I have learned to an institution that places the development of students, understood in its intersectional diversity, at the heart of its mission.”
—Ariana González Stokas, VP for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In May 2019, the College named its first Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: scholar and researcher Ariana González Stokas. In her role, she spearheads new initiatives to foster an inclusive and equitable college community — for both students and faculty. González Stokas brings a wealth of experience to Barnard as a committed educator and researcher. She has worked as an administrator, faculty member, and scholar of philosophy and education, with a proven track record of being dedicated to equity and access. She will chair the Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and work closely with the Dean for Faculty Diversity and Development and the Executive Director for Equity, among others, to envision and actualize programs that promote diversity, establish accountability, and support inclusivity among Barnard’s community.

Identity and Inclusion Initiatives

We recognize that personal exploration into our intersectional identities allows all students to feel empowered to live unapologetically. Our identity and inclusion programs allow students to come together with their peers, faculty, and staff to explore their identities and to build networks of support and solidarity.

Through the Student Success Program, the First-Generation/Low-Income Program (FGLI) at Barnard is committed to providing resources and support to all students who identify with the first-generation and/or low-income college experience.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and allied communities on campus come together through a variety of programs to celebrate and empower each other.

Social Justice Programs

We all are responsible for building an equitable and inclusive community. Through Barnard’s social justice initiatives, you’ll be empowered to contribute to the conversation, lead, build community, and be an agent for social change.